November is
Veterans Awareness Month and three local organizations are kicking it
off with an event to support the cause. Niagara University, Buffalo
Niagara 360, a program of the Buffalo Niagara Partnership, and
Alliance Advisory Group Inc. are teaming up to present "Happy Hour
For-A-Cause," a networking event for college students and young
professionals that will also raise funds for the Buffalo Vet Center.

The event will be
held Thursday, Nov. 1, from 5:30 to 8:30 p.m. at AAG's newly
renovated headquarters, located at 600 Delaware Ave., Buffalo.
Tickets are $10 in advance or $15 at the door.

Admission is free
for Niagara University students. The university is also offering a
free shuttle service to and from the event. Interested students are
encouraged to sign up by emailing [email protected].

Proceeds from the
event will benefit the Buffalo Vet Center, the mental health division
of the Veterans Affairs Hospital in Buffalo. The clinical director of
the Buffalo Vet Center, which operates independently from the
hospital, is Dr. Paul Harrigan, a 1997 alumnus of Niagara University
and Marine Corps veteran.

"The Buffalo Vet
Center is grateful to these organizations for making this event
possible," Harrigan said. "This fundraiser will certainly go a
long way in helping us to provide free and confidential readjustment
counseling for combat theater veterans, those who experienced
military sexual trauma, and the families of fallen service members.
When donations are made to our program, we use them to supply food
and refreshments for our group meetings and open houses. In addition,
funds donated can be used toward development and implementation of
therapeutic activities such as fishing trips, horseback riding,
attending sports events, and/or other healthy socialization
experiences."

In addition to
serving as a fundraiser, the event is also an opportunity for area
young people to network since one of its sponsors is Buffalo Niagara
360, a networking group of recent college graduates and professionals
that is associated with the Buffalo Niagara Partnership.

"The
collaborative effort among the institutions clearly illustrates the
power behind strategic partnerships - especially when they work
together to support critical needs in our communities," said James
R. Fashano, president of Alliance Advisory Group.

Alliance Advisory
Group Inc. is a wealth management, insurance and investment firm. The
company often works in concert with Niagara University's Office of
Career Services to place students and graduates in internship and
employment positions.